My online notebook of works in progress, my own opinions and sometimes an odd snippet of useful information.

Sunday, 28 July 2013

Hustings Statement

I am standing to serve the people of Halesworth because fourteen
years ago, after living abroad for eighteen years, I came to live in Halesworth
by choice and my satisfaction with that choice hasn't wavered since. Despite
the many challenges we all face in today's economic conditions, I am convinced
Halesworth still has the potential to remain a thriving, vibrant town and can grow
sustainably as a place that offers a future for young people.

I am politically independent. I firmly believe a town
council must be independent of party politics.

If elected, I pledge to always consider what is practically
in the best interests of the whole town and not short-term political gains to assure
the whole community's long-term survival. I expect this will entail sometimes
difficult and pragmatic decisions when competing interests will pull us in
different directions but I offer you my commitment to transparent deliberations
in consultation with the community so that everyone in Halesworth will always
have a voice and can take collective responsibility for taking these decisions.
Electing me to your council may relieve you of the chore of attending every
meeting but it does not repeal your responsibility to participate in democracy by
supporting and guiding your council and it is on that basis I expect to serve
you.

If you want some assurance of my competence; I have had a
career in film and television production where realising ambitious visions with
very limited resources has taught me a great number of management and budgetary
skills. I have also had a career in news media which has taught me to be a communicator
and I now work in community development; helping people realise their ambitions
for their community.